My Health Is A Priority – Is Yours?

I haven’t spoken about this before, but last year I started having stomach pains with semi regular bouts of gastro – I know, thanks for the over share Glen.

I wanted to tell you guys this because those symptoms aren’t normal, and by going to the doctor when I did, I may have kept myself alive for far longer than if I hadn’t.

Initially I didn’t know what to make of it. I thought I may have just had some stomach bug or something, but as time went on, things only got worse. Eventually I went to the doctor, and he told me that I should probably get a endoscopy and a colonoscopy – so I did.

It turned out that the colonoscopy found a couple of clusters of polyps in my bowel. This is fairly common for older people, but less common people my age. The doctor removed them all and had them tested, they all came back a non cancerous – phew, but he did tell me they were a type of polyp that has a very high chance of turning into cancer within only a few years, and that they also had a very high reoccurrence rate.

So now I have bi yearly checkups with this doctor to have colonoscopies, this is to ensure that I remain polyp (and ultimately cancer) free. In a way I’m glad that everything happened the way it did, because the polyps weren’t what was causing my stomach issues, but without the issues, I never would have had a checkup. Without the checkup, there was a good chance that before I turned 35 I would have had cancer, or worse.

The second doctor that I saw about my gastro issues told me that he was sure I had food intolerances and that I should go on an elimination diet. He was right, I have a reaction to lactose and we also think coffee. Imagine if I had gotten this doctor the first time. I would still have the precancerous polyps, and be none the wiser.

So my message is this – get yourself checked out, sometimes you will get lucky like I did, other times you might not, but if you think something’s wrong with you, make sure you go and get it checked out. Your health is so important that you really can’t afford to not stay on top of it.

I hear ya. I’ve been constantly stressed for months, and in that time I’ve had a horrible eczema flareup, the longest bout of flu ever, and my blood pressure has gotten high, among other things. Trying to focus on self care, and make sure I get to the doc instead of trying to stick things out!NZ Muse recently posted..Link love (Powered by anticipation)

Glen, I’m glad that you are safe. My father died because of colon cancer 8 years ago, it was too late when he went to the doctor and it was already diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.Clarisse @ Make Money Your Way recently posted..Three Financial Tips for Generation Rent

Glad you found out the source of the problems before they turned even worse! We often hear how we should take care of our health but most of us take it for granted. Whether you have some kind of warning sign, or even if you don’t, it’s important to get checked out regularly. I ignored my health for a long time until I had a couple of nasty wake-up calls with my heart, and now I’m finally on the right track. But as you said, not everyone is as fortunate, so don’t put your healthcare off…take care of it today.Gary @ Super Saving Tips recently posted..How Life Is Like Baseball

I’ve stayed well and truly on top of my health since a friend of mine passed away from cancer a few years ago. It shouldn’t take something like that for you to take your health seriously, but it’s been quite a serious wake up call.

I’ve had a disability since 19, so I’ve been acutely aware of just how much you have to keep up on medical issues. That doesn’t mean I do, necessarily. But I know how important it is.

I do my best to keep up on my and my husband’s multiple health issues. I’ve lost some (but not enough) weight, which lowered my high blood pressure to a normal range. I’m trying to be more reasonable in my goals so that I don’t set myself back to much physically or emotionally. (I have both chronic fatigue and depression.)

My husband has a stress-based illness. In fact, it’s eczema like NZ Muse. His is over his entire body. We actually had to move states because it got so bad there were days he couldn’t wear clothes.

So we’ve removed as much as stress as we can from his life, moved to a drier climate and put in the money to get some of the nicer lotions that keep his skin happier.

You guys sound like you need a good vacation!
My wife and son have eczema (although not as serious as your husbands sounds) and struggled to treat it for ages, then we found a cream at our local markets that did wonders and they both have it under control.

Glad that everything worked out and you’re well. Health is paramount and prevention is always better than cure. Until my son came along I avoided going to the doctor, now if something feels off I make sure to go, if not for myself, then for him.Kasia recently posted..How much do you spend each month?

I’m glad everything turned out OK! I have to get a colonoscopy every 5 years because my brother had colon cancer (he’s fine now) before age 40. I also had a very good friend pass away from CC before she turned 40. It’s nothing to mess around with but is totally preventable if caught early! You were wise to listen to your body!

Wow! I am so glad you went to the doctor and got it checked out. And of course that you’re healthy and they were non-cancerous! I never, ever go to the doctor (even though it’s free here in the great white North), simply because I never feel as if anything is the matter. The biggest struggle I have with my health is feeling drained at the end of the day, and I know I can fix that with a bit of nutrition.Sarah @ Suburban Finance recently posted..It Takes Time to Get Good at Budgeting

So glad that they found the problem early. So many of us get caught up with life and don’t think about getting regular check-ups. Thanks for sharing something so personal and good luck.Petrish @ Debt Free Martini recently posted..Women’s Bad Relationship with Money

Glad you got this checked out Glen, so many people avoid the docs. Every illness is better treated when diagnosed early. Very happy to hear you’re ok! 🙂Hayley @ Disease Called Debt recently posted..Mr Spendy Can’t Save Money

A very important message. There is a history of colon cancer in my family, so this hits home. Thanks for spreading the word : )Prudence Debtfree recently posted..Debt-Reduction Website: fruclassity.com

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